Japan Introduces Bear Warning Pictograms to Protect Tourists

Japan’s Tourism Agency announced that it has created new pictogram signs warning visitors that feeding bears, approaching them, and leaving trash are prohibited, aiming to improve safety through simple and universally understandable visuals.

The move comes as encounters between humans and bears — as well as related injuries — have increased across the country. The agency said the pictograms are designed to be instantly recognizable by foreign tourists and people of all ages, regardless of language ability.

The three pictogram signs feature red slashes over illustrations of people feeding or approaching bears, as well as images showing how discarded trash can attract the animals. The visuals are intended to clearly communicate dangerous behavior at a glance.

The Tourism Agency hopes the designs will be widely adopted on signs, posters, and websites by local governments and private businesses, particularly in tourist areas where bear sightings are more likely.

“We want them posted at tourist sites where bears are likely to appear to help keep visitors safe,” the agency said.

The pictograms are available for free download from the agency’s official website.